Before yoga was the household fitness regimen it is today, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was quietly teaching the ancient practice to members at its Edgewater location. As long ago as 1972, the studio has blended the teachings of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda, both of whom focused on five key principles of yoga. Proper exercise through asanas, or poses, helps to boost circulation, flexibility, and mental health, and proper breathing fills the practitioner with energy. Proper relaxation is instilled physically, mentally, and spiritually through regular yoga practice, and a vegetarian diet places a focus on the health of both the practitioner and the environment. Finally, positive thinking and mediation help to slay stress through quiet concentration. Students can put the principles to practice through various yoga courses, workshops, and meditation sessions, even volunteering their time at the center or joining in free discussions on the philosophy of yoga.